Staff of the Conservation and Fisheries Department clean a section of Beef Island on June 8 as part of the territory’s observance of World Environment Day, which was celebrated globally on June 5. Photo: NGOVOU GYANG

“Sixty-nine, 70, 71, 72,” Cynara Benjamin-Duncan called out as she counted cigarette butts beside the road on Beef Island on June 8.

Staff of the Conservation and Fisheries Department clean a section of Beef Island on June 8 as part of the territory’s observance of World Environment Day, which was celebrated globally on June 5. Photo: NGOVOU GYANG
The environmental officer and six of her colleagues from the Conservation and Fisheries Department spent nearly three hours picking up trash in the area that afternoon.

“Oh my goodness,” Ms. Benjamin-Duncan exclaimed as her count exceeded 100. “No, man, this is ridiculous.”
As she focused on the cigarette butts, others scoured the thick underbrush nearby, collecting bottles, cans, Styrofoam containers, plastic bags and other items.

The cleanup was part of the department’s observance of World Environment Day, which was celebrated globally on June 5.
“It’s surprisingly dirty,” said Ms. Benjamin-Duncan, who led the effort. “We are encouraging the public to be conscious of where they are throwing their garbage and please utilise the garbage bins that are designated close to every beach area.”

See the June 16, 2016 edition for full coverage.

{fcomment}